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Autism, also known as a spectrum
disorder, is a complex developmental disability
which usually appears during the first three years of
life. Autism affects the development of the brain, in
areas of social interaction and communication. It is
usually identified through a delay in the developmental
process by the age of three and generally affects around
four times more boys than girls.
Children and adults with Autism typically have difficulties
with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction
and leisure or play activities. Activities which are
integral to day-to-day living. The disorder makes it
hard for them to communicate with others and to relate
to the outside world.
In Ireland over 2,000 people have been diagnosed with
Autism and each year this figure continues to grow.
Until recently, very little help or support was available
for families affected by Autism, and many were left
to cope with it by themselves. Help is now at hand.
How is Autism
diagnosed?
There are no defined medical tests for diagnosing Autism.
The symptoms and characteristics vary with each individual,
and diagnosis is based on the individual's development
in terms of communication and behaviour.
Evaluation is conducted under a number of difference
disciplines as many of the behaviours associated with
Autism are shared by other disorders: These disciplines
include:
* Neurology
* Psychology
* Developmental Paediatrics
* Speech & Language Therapy
* Autism specialist
Early diagnosis and intervention increases the opportunity
for the child to develop and progress.
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Key
traits of Autism
Each person affected by Autism portrays different characteristics,
at varying degrees. They may display some of the following
symptoms:
* Limited verbal and non verbal communication
* May Communicates with gestures
* Short attention span
* May experience sensory impairment
* Little interest in interaction with others
* Less responsive to non verbal communication Ð
eye contact
* May be overactive/passive
* Lack of spontaneous or imaginative play
* Does not imitate others actions
* Does not initiate play
* Resistance to changes in routine
* May show aggression to self/others
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Types
of Autism
Autism is a spectrum disorder. Therefore two children
with the same diagnosis can act very differently from
one another. Commonly used terms to identify disorders
include: ASD, autistic like, autistic tendencies, high
functioning autism and atypical austim. Following is
the list of specific diagnosis:
Asperger's Syndrome
* Impairments in social interactions
* Little interest in activities
* No significant delay in language
* Of average/above average intelligence.
Autistic Disorder
* Impairments in social interaction
* Problems with communication and imaginative play prior
to 3 years of age
* Sterotyped behavours, interests and activities
Rett's Disorder
* To date has only occurred in girls
* Initial period of normal development followed by loss
of previously acquired skills
* Loss of purposeful use of hands replaced with repeated
hand movements
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
* Normal development for first 2 years, significant
loss of previously acquired skills
Pervasive Developmental Disorder
* Child does not meet specific diagnosis
* Severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviours
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